UNDER 13's win Walsall F.C. Challenge Cup

U13 Walsall Challenge Cup FinalSaturday 22 May 2010

Brierley Hill & Dudley 3-1 Stoke

BH & D U13s capped off another superb season with an excellent 3-1 victory at The Bescot Stadium this morning.

BH&D started positively and created a number of good openings with Liam Snape causing problems for Stoke down the left wing. During the first 15 minutes, the back four of Mark Ganderton, Kieran Price, Josh Clift and Callum McFarlane were rarely troubled but dealt with any threats very effectively. Alex Fletcher, Shaquille Edwards, Stephen Rickuss and Dan Durman controlled the game from midfield for BH&D and it was Fletcher who set up the first goal, flicking on Rickuss' corner to top scorer Sam Austin, who finished well from inside the six yard box.

Stoke came back into the game towards the end of the first half and equalised with their first shot of the match, an unstoppable free kick from 25 yards.

Half Time 1-1.

In the second half, BH&D dominated possession and forced several openings that were well saved by the Stoke goalkeeper. Substitutes Jake Cartwright, Niall Clarke, Kyle Bates, Anton Rickards and Shane Grainger all made positive contributions, however Grainger was unfortunately carrying an injury and came off, after limping through 15 minutes.

Eventually the BH&D pressure told and they regained the lead with a sensational strike from Sam Austin. Austin brought the ball down with his back to goal, beat his defender and curled a left footed shot into the top corner. Substitute Niall Clarke added a third after some good work by Edwards and Austin, finishing firmly into the bottom corner to make the game safe. Austin was denied a hat-trick late on when the Stoke keeper somehow kept out his shot after Edwards had broke down the right.

This was a thoroughly deserved victory, and as with most games this season, each player significantly contributed with effort, desire, team spirit and quality football.